Please help me picking an IS 300h

[DarkKnight]

Hi guys, new here. Hope I can post here.

I have really been wanting to buy an IS 300h. My budget is ~£12k. Mileage <100k. 

So far I come across 2014 F-sports or 2016 Non-F-sports. Not sure which one would be better to get?

I also realised most of the F-sports come with the 18" tyres whereas the other trims come with 17" tyres. Through my research it seems 17" provides more comfort and better MPG? Do f-sport trims have noticeably lower MPG?

Would greatly appreciate all replies! Thank you!

 

[IS300FSPORT]

F Sport all day

- Interior Speedometer Lexus LFA Sport dials

- Rose red leather option

- Heated Seats & cooled seats

- Front bumper & mesh grill looks sportier 

- 18" alloys again look the part

- Aluminium sports pedals 

+ The resale value attracts buyers

As for MPG all depends on your driving style ranges anywhere from 35-50MPG on mine recommend the F Sport just get one that's not been tampered with so called  modifications that just make it look scruffy IMO.

[ColinBarber]

17 minutes ago, DarkKnight said:

Do f-sport trims have noticeably lower MPG?

maybe up to 5 mpg compared to a non F-Sport on 17" wheels and probably only 1 or 2 mpg compared to a non F-Sport with 18" wheels. Wheels are the biggest contributing factor but the F Sport is also slightly less aerodynamic than the others.

[DarkKnight]

14 minutes ago, IS300FSPORT said:

F Sport all day

- Interior Speedometer Lexus LFA Sport dials

- Rose red leather option

- Heated Seats & cooled seats

- Front bumper & mesh grill looks sportier 

- 18" Alloys again look the part

- Aluminium sports pedals 

+ The resale value attracts buyers

As for MPG all depends on your driving style ranges anywhere from 35-50MPG on mine recommend the F Sport just get one that's not been tampered with so called  modifications that just make it look scruffy IMO.

Thanks really wanted a F sport too, but for my budget I am thinking whether it is worth getting a newer 2016 non fsport model instead rather than a 2014 fsport?

[IS300FSPORT]

18 minutes ago, DarkKnight said:

Thanks really wanted a F sport too, but for my budget I am thinking whether it is worth getting a newer 2016 non fsport model instead rather than a 2014 fsport?

It really does depend on the condition & the service history record. 

Dont be afraid to get on your knees & take a look underneath from the back of the car a 2014 may have developed abit of corrosion by now rust spots in comparison to a 2016 model. I do find cars that have generally been kept up in the North region have more corrosion I.e Scotland etc where the road salt/grit Rots the underside but again it may be kept as a 2nd car being rear wheel drive may not be used in snowy conditions at all. Running gear etc will be the same may see an improvement on face-lift model better LED headlights but for me it's the F Sport over the other trims.

All the best! 

[Spock66]

With a 2016 model you will still potentially have 2-years Relax warranty cover.

[agent_dess]

My vote is on F-Sport, but I wouldn't buy anything less than 2015. 

In my view the 2013/2014 models had too many issues like radio dying when Battery replaced and AC related issues etc

[Notamech]

Personally i think if you plan to keep the car for a while i would recommend getting the premier variant vs the f sport. It has all the bells and whistles so a year down the line you wont feel like your car is old and lacking.

If you're getting a lower model but slightly newer consider late 2016 early 2017 after that they increased the tax. One of the main benefit to me of the is300h is the £10tax. I wouldn't buy or consider any car above 2016 just for this reason but thats just me.